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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Jazz Brunch If you’d like, bring your own picnic or …

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Several library branches in Broward are offering free holiday photo shoots and free photo ops. For photo shoots, libraries are using a green screen that offers different holiday and winter digital backdrops.  Usually a digital version of the photo is emailed to participants for free. Friends, family and props are permitted. No pets, please. If …

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The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale offers free admission as part of Sunny Days/Starry Nights events from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The events include activities for kids and adults. Often events include 2-for-1 deals on wine. Free hands-on art activities  The free first Thursdays events usually include …

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Plantation is rocking out with free Rock The Park outdoor events that include live bands and food trucks. Events are usually first Fridays and sometimes first Saturdays, at Pine Island Park, with food vendors set up at 6 p.m. and entertainment at 7 p.m. and entry is free.  Featured bands in 2025 and 2026 include: …

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For an easy nature excursion, the Deerfield Beach Arboretum features about 200 trees from different parts of the world. The nickname for the venue is “Tree Zoo.” Entry is free.  The arboretum is on about nine acres with a walking path. The route includes flowering tropical fruit trees, exotics, palms, wetlands, bamboo, natives, butterfly garden, …

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Snow flurries and snowmen are featured at Dania Pointe, a shopping, dining and entertainment plaza in Dania. The events and displays are free.  Parking is free. 2025 Snow events at Dania Pointe  Let It Snow display Snow flurries  7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays November 28 to December 28 7 p.m. Sundays November …

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Kwanzaa is a holiday that focuses on the heritage and values that represent the African-American population. A Kwanzaa Ujamaa event in 2025 at Provident Park in Fort Lauderdale is 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, December 29, and entry is free.  The event features Afrocentric entertainment and festivities.  Ujamaa is a facet of the holiday that …

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Live performances, Santa and holiday decorations indoors and out  are featured at historic Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale.  Entry fees for some of the Whimsical Wonderland events are $40 for adults, $35 for members, $15 for ages 13-17, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for 5 and younger.  Entry for adults includes two drink tickets.  …

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The Hollywood Beach Bandshell is a delightful venue for free live entertainment oceanside. Salty breezes. Waves rolling ashore. Favorite local bands, and fans, rocking out. Delightful. The bandshell is on a lovely pedestrian promenade. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk  runs more than two miles along the beach, and it lined with restaurants, shops and motels. Entertainment …

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With the surf and ocean air offering delightful ambience, live bands offer free entertainment at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale throughout the year. Sound Waves The popular Friday Night Sound Waves free concerts are 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The schedule includes: Nov. 14: Touch & Go, Tribute to The Cars Nov. 21: …

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Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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